Originally posted by Y2KMondeoSVT:
...the throttle was jammed open ! It's an automatic , so the brake couldn't stop the car , with the throttle hanging open...


Y2KMondeoSVT, I have to jump in here to dispell your assertation.

This CAN'T happen. It's an Urban Myth, also the crap of lying lawyers in the old Audi lawsuits about 20 years ago.

First, the average modern braking system generates the equivilant to approx. 800 HP in braking force. What does this mean? It basically means that you would need to have an 800 HP engine in the Miata to overcome the brakes.

Second, the brakes on Miatas are big in comparison to it's weight and it's power.

In 78, I had an automatic 69 Falcon 302 cid (5.0L) with manual drum brakes (much heavier car - much strong motor - much weaker brakes). I had the car souped up a little (duals, 4 barrel carb, clutch fan, etc.) and took it out for a shake-down run after installing the carb and doing an initial tune. Upon leaving a stop sign I rolled out a little and nailed the throttle -I was trying to see if I could break the tires loose from a rolling 10 mph. Unfortunately, the tires hooked up too well and the torque broke a motor mount, pinning the throttle linkage wide open. It was one of those one block between stop signs deals, so I needed to stop quickly because I was almost at the next one and there was 4 lanes of traffic going across at the upcoming intersection. I stood on the brakes and did manage to stop the car - and then turned the key off. It took considerable effort but, anyone who has ever driven a car with manual drum brakes can tell you they take a fair bit of effort at the best of times. Point is, while I (at that time atleast) was likely stronger than someones grandmother, the force needed to overcome a 5.0L @ WOT w/manual drum brakes is far greater than that of a 1.8L @ WOT w/power disc brakes.

I defy anyone with a Contour/Mystique automatic, 2.5L even, to be able to have the engine overpower the brakes, unless the brakes at completely shot. My mother is 70 and I'm confident she'd do fine.

Quote:

as she approached a busy intersection , she went to stop , but the throttle was jammed open


I've been talking about WOT. According to your info she was likely running at something much less than WOT which would make the scenario even more unlikely.

The most obvious explination is that she likely missed the brake pedal altogether, or something else, but definitely not that a 118 hp engine (part-throttle maybe 60-70 hp - WOT 118 hp) overcame a good 4 wheel disc brake system.

Regards, Alan

03 Volvo S60 2.5T AWD 98 Mystique 2.5 MTX 99 SVT - Inheriting Lil Monster's parts 98 SVT - Lil Monster (RIP) 183.7 whp Quaife/Fidanza/UR UD Clutch AFE/MSDS/SHO-Y/Bassani/MagnaCore GC/Koni/22mmR/EndLinks/ES/ KVR Slotted/1144's/SS Lines/MASItaly